The Sequim Lavender Growers Association wrapped up its 2011 “Charity Through Commerce” campaign with big donations for local groups. Members held a raffle for lavender gifts, a Christmas tree, a quilt and dessert items to help Sequim Community Aid and a Sequim High School scholarship at their Holiday Bazaar and Poster Art Gallery display on Thanksgiving weekend at Carrie Blake Park.

This year, the group donated money or provided free booth space at the Sequim Lavender Festival to the following: Sarge’s Place in Forks, the Peninsula Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Sequim Boys & Girls Club, Sequim High School FFA, “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” campaign in Port Townsend, Port Angeles Rotary, Audubon Society, Lions’ Club Eye Bank fund, Dream Machines Car Club and the Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Club.

“The growers remain active participants in helping their neighbors, acknowledging that without community support and patronage, the lavender industry in this part of the world would not be as famous and successful as it is,” said Susan Olson, president of the association.

The Sequim Lavender Growers Association is the oldest recognized lavender organization with nonprofit status in the Pacific Northwest. It celebrates 10 continuous years of charitable giving and nonprofit status in February 2012.

“We are proud of this designation and history, and how our association has positively impacted commerce in our region and how the community has supported our Sequim Lavender Festival for 15 years,” said Paul Jendrucko, media relations representative for SLGA.

For more information on the Sequim Lavender Festival on July 20-22, 2012, e-mail info@lavenderfestival.com, call 681-3035 or visit www.lavenderfestival.com.